I have X3 installed on my home PC with Win8.1, Q6600, 4g DDR2, Windows default drivers for the Realtec audio, and I am surprised by how much I can do with this setup.
I have a 29trk (imported) audio project going with no dropouts. I do have a minimum amount of plugs inserted at the moment, but plan to add more and see how far I can push this thing.
I have done some tests with four or five synths that come with X3 and as I say, I'm surprised.